DIY Aquarium Stand

I purchased this 32 G Oceanic column aquarium from a fellow hobbist.  It has odd dimensions, 20Lx18Wx18H. It came with a glass top and a single flourscent light strip.  For weeks, I looked around to locate a stand for it.  Choices were limited, due to the odd dimensions.  So, I  thought, maybe we can make one.  I did some google research and with some help from my husband, this is what we came up with.

Keep in mind, I am not a wood worker. Neither is my husband. This is my first ever wood-making job.  We had limited wood-cutting-materials, which is probably a good thing, since I've never used any before. 

It's important for me that this stand be:  1. inexpensive and 2. easy.

I found this:

The idea is that all colors are the same length/width. 

So I go out to Lowes and get the necessary amount of 2x4s, screws and nails.  My husband showed me how to use the jigsaw, and I started cutting, nailing and gluing.

It's very sloppy and ugly up close.  I'm sure even the most everyday Joe with an eye, can see a ton of problems and issues, but I feel it will work perfectly for what I need.

We had some home remodeling done a few months ago and he worker's left a large  piece of 5/8 cherry plywood panelling stuff. If I didn't already have that, I probably would have just bought a stand and been done with it.

So, I cut the plywood panelling stuff and nailed the pieces to the 2x4s.  I cut a hole out in the front, for the door and I left the back completly open, and didn't bother covering the 2x4s.  I also cut a piece of plywood for the base of the inside.  This is to put filters and other aquarium items that are needed.

Can't have just one!

My name is Rachel. I got my first aquarium when I was about 15. I've pretty much had at least one aquarium in my possession for the last 20 years. There's times where I had one or two, and times where I had 5-7. Most people in this hobby change their tanks often. Aquarist generally like to try new things and fiddle around with different setups.


I do freshwater aquariums. Salt water tanks have totally different setups and have just not interested me. Right now I have 4 tanks set up in my house and am getting ready to set up another. My plan is to set this 4th tank up and get rid of one of the others. (we'll see if that really happens!) I also plan to re-scape (re-do the landscaping) on 3. So, I thought, why not put it on a blog. It may be fun to see my tanks grow, or not. (yes, I have my share of failures)

NOTICE: The information on this blog is stricly based on my experience. I take no responsibility for any part of it that doesn't work for you. I am just a typical aquarist enjoying the hobby and sharing my experience and knowledge.

My current setups:
10 gal low maintenance planted shrimp tank.
30 gal basic aquarium with an old angelfish hanging out. (this one just has basic aquarium gravel and the fish. Nothing really else going on)
25 gal planted low maintenance
75 gal planted, CO2 with misc fish
32 gal cube oceanic - In the process of setting it up this weekend. Will be a low maintenance planted aquarium, later to house a pair of angelfish.

My tanks have pretty much been in limbo the last few weeks. I purchased the 32G column, aquarium only from another hobbist in town. It has a really odd footprint, so stands are difficult to buy. I decided to try to make my own. (with help from the awesome hubbie)

So, while I worked on the stand and canopy for the new tank, my other tanks kind of were neglected. My theory was that I was going to move things around so I would do it all at once, instead of messing with all the water and mess multiple times.

Oh, if any newbies are reading -to do this hobby correctly, especially with fresh plants, it does take work. No aquarium will do well for too long if you just set it up and leave it. Water changes, water testing, algae breakouts and fights, and plant trimmings are a small part of the fun.

More laters.